Another Rainy Day in New York City

The subway riders wear rainboots, plaid and plain--all have given in to the torrent. Streams of rain break the ancient seals of the subway roof.
We look like the wet rats who run free, the squatters in the subway, the real owners of these tunnels.
Umbrellas. The five-dollar ones drop to the subway floor; nicer brands dangle from wrists. The king of umbrellas, those unflappable, unfoldable ones are protected by one hand clasped over another and used as chin rests.
I see more rainboots across from me. This pair is royal blue with pink cherries and green cherries. I wonder why rainboots are all shinier and more childlike than everyday shoes?
Combat a dreary day with some bright boots.